Category A: Organization for Student Learning

A5

• Does the school have a safe, healthy, nurturing environment that reflects the school’s philosophy and mission?
• Does the school environment foster community and the achievement of religious and educational goals?
• Is the school environment characterized by a respect for differences, trust, caring, professionalism, support, and high expectations for each student?

Suggested Areas to Analyze:

• the variety and frequency of opportunities for prayer, celebration of the word and Sacraments
• the policies, codes and use of resources to ensure a safe, healthy, nurturing environment that is conducive to learning
• the level of understanding of the codes of student conduct by students, teachers, and parents (if applicable)
• the degree to which caring, concern, and high expectations for students is demonstrated on a daily basis
• the degree to which specific strategies demonstrate an atmosphere of trust, respect, and professionalism
• recent sensitivity training of staff for cultural, racial, individual differences
• the level of mutual respect, two-way communication, and support in relationships among the staff, between staff and students, between staff and parents where applicable, and between staff and leadership
• the level of teacher support and encouragement to utilize innovative approaches to enhance student learning
• the degree to which student self-esteem is fostered through high expectations for each student and recognition of their successes
• student work
• students working together in a supportive manner academically or personally as appropriate
• interview data from students, staff, leadership
• teachers working with students during non-class hours
• telephone and written communication to and from the home
• the degree of involvement of students and staff in Christian service opportunities
• opportunities through which students are prepared to respect the uniqueness of individuals
• degree to which the learning environment generates motivation for learning, encourages creativity, and leadership
• additional evidence

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A5
Moreau Catholic High School creates a nurturing environment by supporting students’ academic, spiritual, and social needs. By providing a safe and secure physical and emotional environment, the school creates a positive experience that guides students in the Holy Cross tradition of building respect, being family, bringing hope, and educating hearts and minds.

Supports:

The community understands the student code of conduct. The administration and faculty communicate clearly and openly with each other and to the student population. Students feel empowered to address faculty and administration. Students are given the opportunity for prayerful reflection on a regular basis, and prayer is emphasized as a major aspect of their learning experience. Liturgies are a positive experience for a majority of our students. Theology classes and school events support open communication and diversity and promote open dialogue. Recent training has been done with teachers regarding individualized instruction for special needs students. Racial and cultural diversity is addressed in classes and activities on campus
Guiding Questions

Areas of Strength	Evidence		Areas of Growth	Evidence
The community understands the student code of conduct.	Handbook, handbook form Link Crew models behavior (Spinelli) Class meetings at beginning of year (Leadership) Freshman parent meeting (Aquino) Senior graduation meeting (Teekell) Regular reminders via announcements, emails, and phone calls home Dance guest passes (Teekell)
The administration and faculty communicate clearly and openly with each other and to the student population. Students feel empowered to address faculty and administration.	Lunch with the Principal WASC Surveys (ask M. Aquino) Live at the Library Teacher Features On Course E-Newsletter Moreauver NTI System (Automated phone calls and emails to families) Grade level emails Power School Family Connection MCTV
Students are given the opportunity for prayerful reflection on a regular basis, and prayer is emphasized as a major aspect of their learning experience.	Morning prayer over PA All departments (? check with dept. chairs) start class with a prayer Liturgies Campus Ministry Team Sports teams (check with C. Krisman) Faculty meetings begin with prayer (Agendas) Department meetings begin with prayer (check with dept. chairs)
Liturgies are a positive experience for a majority of our students.	Non-Catholic and Catholic students involved at Mass (anecdotal statement) e.g coming forward for a blessing, choir, dance, Campus Ministry Team input) Alumni remain involved in Mass- artwork done for Mass -attendance at liturgies Student behavior/demeanor at Mass -AP statements		Proposed additional semester of theology (US Bishop's Revised Curriculum) will adversely impact student's curricular choices (?)	Current requirements in Course Description books
Theology classes and school events support open communication and diversity and promote open dialogue.	Course descriptions (Shelley) Course evaluations (Aquino) Evidence needed via assignments, lesson plans, projects, etc. (Shelley) Multicultural Week Black History Month Cultural clubs actively promote historical events (Nuestra Gente, AAA)
Recent training has been done with teachers regarding individualized instruction for special needs students.	Saints and Scholars Program International Student Program
Racial and cultural diversity is addressed in classes and activities on campus.	Units on cultural and racial diversity in classes (Social Studies and English departments) Multicultural Week Cultural club activities Anti-Bullying Week Day of Understanding Program Lopez Lamong guest speaker Invisible Children program Brian Copeland as guest speaker Rosie Rios as guest speaker School field trips (ask all departments)		More training regarding cultural and racial sensitivity is needed for our students.	Student statements (survey?) More assemblies and speakers needed
There is a high level of teacher support and encouragement to utilize innovative approaches that enhance student learning.	Multiple opportunities for staff development Utilization of technology (Laptop program, Open network environment, Power School, School website, Family Connection web resources) Lesson plans and class projects (department chairs) LibGuides class project pages Moodle MCTV Turnitin.com Teacher features
Holy Cross values are infused into curriculum.	Kiva program (Zegura) Course information sheets (Dept. chairs) ESLR's Holy Cross Associates
Opportunities for recognition within the school community improve student self-esteem.	Academic Awards Assembly Athletic Awards and Honors Graduation Awards Hall of Fame Student of the Month Student work posted on website MCTV Sea Changes Explorer Yearbook Student artwork displayed on flat screens and in display cases Special exhibits outside of school (Day of the Dead, Sketches of a Memory) Speech contests Writing contests Talent Show Rallies VAPA performances 200 Club Student ambassadors Link Crew Student government		More funding is needed for student learning outside of the classroom.	Field trips Club funding
Students work together for the benefit of their peers and the community.	Christian Community Service program Interact Club Link Crew Student ambassadors Student government NHS Tutorial program Academic Support Center Sketches of a Memory Program Bean Trees Assignment (Soph English) I-Search Paper (English Dept.) Cooperative learning/group work (ask departments)
The school provides a safe and secure environment for its students and faculty.	Campus supervisors present from 7:00 am-11:00 pm Campus supervisors and school administration present at all school sporting events and VAPA events Closed campus Lunch prefecting Presence of faculty in lots after school to monitor Close every gate after school starts Visitor badges required for all visitors SRO presence at major events (Hayward Police Dept) Safety training for coaches (CPR/First Aid) CIF training for coaches Teachers and staff have fire safety and emergency preparedness training Parent chaperones at school events Counseling Center Student Support Groups CAP's Both college and personal counseling offered Counseling department provides referrals Alcohol EDU Shield the Vulnerable *		More spaces are needed for students to gather as well as study quietly.	Library is not a quiet space Quiet classrooms after school unavailable School building doesn't open until 7:30 am No true "student center" in terms of a gathering/supervised space

Virtual Evidence Link


Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010. Kathe Weltchek, notetaker

I. Norms for the group: Show up, one person at a time, everybody contributes. Respect.

II. Review the ESLRs. Group members read them and ask questions. Unanimous ratification of the ESLRs.

III. Discussion of A5 proceeds:

PART I:

1. Armando speaks on behalf of campus supervisors and security measures. Visible presence of teachers and staff (especially maintenance and janitors) as well as administrators and supervisors. Locking. Security measures. Involvement of ALL members of the community.
2. Safety from coaches perspective: additional training in CPR and first aid, and CIF trained.
3. Teachers and staff have fire safety and emergency preparedness. Constantly revising.
4. Events have all of the above, plus resource officers from the police department.
5. Multiple channels of communication including: On Course, emails, daily bulletin, NTI voicemail and email system.
6. Health and safety in the condition of the redwood trees on the campus is not good. Dead trees pose a danger.
7. Spirit Week is nurturing, as well as the way teachers "care for" their students.
8. Students have free run of the school (in appropriate places) and they use the physical community.
9. Good student to teacher ratio, but some classes are too large and teachers run into more difficulties because of "size".
10. (Discipline Commitee?) Goal is to Help Student and not just punish them.
11. Supportive environment for new teachers.
12. Extracurricular responsibilities help to develop more of a sense of community.

PART II:

1. The experience of the liturgy is very positive--Holy Cross education spirit infuses all that we do.
2. Students embrace the diversity of religions at the school.
3. Religion classes support open communication and diversity and promote open dialogue. At the same time, christian dogma is not well known by a large number of students.
4. Prayer everywhere--sports events and so on.
5. Father Tito as a resource to counsel students and family. Why is he not here as often? We need a full time priest, our students seem to need one.

We're stopping here for today. Reviewed all of the questions.

Kathe Weltchek, notetaker

Susan Geiger, group leader

Tuesday, January 4th
Notetaker: Katie Teekell

I. Review revised ESLR's - Unanimous approval of revised ESLR's.

II. Begin discussion of Question #2; strengths and growths entered directly into table.